Math Problem Statement

Which of the following could be the equation of m(x) in factored form, given its graph?

Solution

The graph provided shows the function m(x)m(x), and the question asks which equation in factored form corresponds to the given graph. Let us analyze the graph to identify its key features:

  1. Roots/Zeros: The function crosses the x-axis at x=1x = -1, x=3x = 3, x=5x = 5, and x=15x = 15. Therefore, the equation must have these factors:
    (x+1)(x + 1), (x3)(x - 3), (x5)(x - 5), and (x15)(x - 15).

  2. Behavior at Roots: The graph crosses the x-axis cleanly at all roots, suggesting that each root has an odd multiplicity (likely 1). Thus, the factors appear exactly once in the equation.

  3. End Behavior: As xx \to -\infty, m(x)m(x) \to -\infty, and as xx \to \infty, m(x)m(x) \to \infty. This indicates the degree of the polynomial is odd and the leading coefficient is positive.

Answer:

The correct equation that matches the graph is:
m(x)=(x+1)(x3)(x5)(x15).m(x) = (x + 1)(x - 3)(x - 5)(x - 15).

This corresponds to the fourth option.


Would you like me to verify this further or explain any specific step in more detail? Here are some related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. What determines the multiplicity of roots based on the graph's behavior near the x-axis?
  2. How does the degree of a polynomial influence its end behavior?
  3. Why does the leading coefficient matter for the shape of the graph?
  4. How can the factored form of a polynomial be expanded into standard form?
  5. Can a polynomial have the same x-intercept appear more than once?

Tip: To identify the correct factored form, always examine the x-intercepts and their behaviors on the graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomials
Factored Form
Graph Analysis

Formulas

Factored form of a polynomial: f(x) = a(x - r1)(x - r2)...(x - rn)

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
End Behavior Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12